Understanding Wrist Crepitus: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Dear Amy, The 'crispiness' you referred to is equivalent to the grittiness like rubbing sand between your thumb and forefinger. It has nothing to do with the tendon. Instead, it is related to the bone rubbing against bone, which causes this 'crispiness' you're experiencing. This is another form of an injury, and rest and recuperation will disavow the grittiness. To remedy the situation, allow the bone to calcify which could last from 3 to 6 days. Then, muscle strengthening and rehabilitation can take place. If the issue involves the tendon, the tendon does not become rigid; it is the tendon's connection to bone that can lead to this condition. Proper rest and rehabilitation are key.

The only thing I can surmise is inflammation of the adjoining bone, which is arthritic in nature. However, I would primarily focus on healing the tendon. Homeopathic remedies are generally limited to rest, and certainly not exercise. A cortisone shot for the tendon and ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory can be effective.

What is Crepitus?

The technical term for the 'crispiness' you feel is crepitus. Crepitus is not to be confused with crepitance, which can be a more severe condition. Crepitus usually means you have some kind of tendonitis, particularly in the wrist extensor tendons. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon and/or the tendon sheath in which it slides. The customary treatment for tendonitis is the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

In cases of wrist tendonitis, rest in the form of a wrist splint is usually sufficient. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, Motrin/Advil, or Naprosyn Aleve may be added if there are no medical reasons to avoid them. Wrist tendonitis typically resolves in a week to two weeks with proper rest and rarely requires major treatment, other than avoiding the activity that triggered it.

Tendonitis: A Common Condition

Tendonitis is usually the result of overdoing an activity, using bad ergonomics, or doing too much of one kind of movement to which you are not accustomed. Understanding this condition can help in managing and preventing it.

Home Remedies and Side Effects

While the conventional treatment involves rest and medication, some individuals opt for home remedies. A handful of Dead Sea Salt dissolved in water can be applied to the area multiple times a day. This can help with tendonitis, potentially leading to more relaxed and less anxious feelings, as well as other positive changes.

However, it's important to consult a medical professional to evaluate the condition and determine the best course of action. Inflammation can persist if not addressed appropriately, leading to more severe conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding wrist crepitus and tendonitis is crucial for effective management and prevention. Proper rest, medication, and occasionally home remedies, when used with caution, can help in recovery. Always seek professional advice to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Keep on truckin’…

Best of luck in the future!

Sincerely, [Your Name]